Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(use). Exorbitant or unlawful interest for money loaned; but in a Bible sense the taking of any interest at all. The law of Moses prohibited Hebrews from exacting interest of one another on loans, though not of foreigners (Lev. 25:36-37; Deut. 23:19-20). Usury is severely denounced (Neh. 5:7,10; Psa. 15:5; Prov. 28:8; Ezek. 22:12).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
This word does not in scripture signify, as now, undue interest, but simply interest of any kind. The Israelites were forbidden to require interest from their brethren, always supposing the person having the loan to be poor, otherwise he would not need to borrow; to strangers, however, they were allowed to lend on interest (Ex. 22:25; Lev. 25:35-38; Deut. 23:19-20). On the return of the Jews, Nehemiah sharply rebuked the nobles and the rulers for taking interest of their poorer brethren (Neh. 5:3-13). Scripture strictly enjoins the rich to help the poor. The only mention of usury in the New Testament is in the parables of the Talents and the Pounds, where the master blamed the servant for not putting the gifts into use, so that he might have received his own with interest, or increase (Matt. 25:27; Luke 19:23).
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
a primitive root; to strike with a sting (as a serpent); figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan
KJV Usage:
bite, lend upon usury